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Benjamin Cadwell Obituary
Born on March 8, 1942, in East Thetford, Vt., he was the son of Louis H. and Nellie (Harlow) Cadwell.
Mr. Cadwell was raised in East Thetford and attended Thetford Academy. He briefly served in the Air Force, receiving a medical discharge.
In earlier years he worked on Sonny Howard's farm, and then as a carpenter for Dick Howard and Ed Olsen. He then was employed with Cianbro Construction of Jay, Maine, working on bridge construction, including work on the Piscataqua Bridge that links Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth.
For several years he owned and operated Cadwell Trucking, and then retired from Jewell Trucking in Wilder, Vt.
He was in the process of building his retirement home in Unity, Maine. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved hunting, fishing and boating. He holds the record for the biggest Lake Trout caught at Pleasant Pond in Caratunk, Maine.
His parents and a sister, Joyce Gingras, predeceased him.
He is survived by his two sons, David A. Cadwell of Rutland, Vt., and James T. Cadwell of West Canaan; a daughter, Jacqueline Cadwell of Hartland, Vt.; companion, Judy Witham and her two sons, Nick and Chris Chiasson of Canaan; a grandson, Kail James Cadwell of West Canaan; three brothers, Louis H. Cadwell II of Thetford Center, Vt., Charles H. Knight of Brooksville, Fla., and Peter L. Cadwell of West Fairlee, Vt.; six sisters, Beverly A. Hill of Vershire, Vt., Dorothy L. Pero of Thetford Center, Vt., Patricia C. Blake of East Thetford, Nancy L. Palm of Amesbury, Mass., Susan E. Cadwell-Brown of East Thetford, and Wendy A. Cook of West Fairlee; one aunt, several nieces, nephews, cousins and his former wife, Donna Fowler-Greenwood, of Hartland.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at East Thetford Baptist Church, Route 5, East Thetford. A reception will follow in the church vestry. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at Hale Funeral Home, Route 113, Thetford Center.
Memorial donations may be made to the Upper Valley Fish and Game Club c/o Rhett Scruggs, Thetford, VT 05075.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Cadwell
Kail cadwell
May 15, 2021
Love and miss you papa. Thanks for teaching me how to fish and showing me where to find the best fiddle heads. I hope you are catching big fish up in heaven.
Kail cadwell
May 15, 2021
Love you and miss you papa. Thank you for teaching me how to fish and showing me where to find fiddle heads. We all miss you so much. I hope the fish taste good in heaven.
Kail cadwell
May 15, 2021
Love you and miss you papa. Thank you for teaching me how to fish and showing me where to find fiddle heads. We all miss you so much. I hope the fish taste good in heaven.
Kail
May 15, 2021
Love you and miss you papa. Thank you for teaching me how to fish and showing me where to find fiddle heads. We all miss you so much. I hope the fish taste good in heaven.
Jacquie
November 15, 2019
Another year of missing you.
Judy Witham
December 21, 2007
Ben-jammin'
How about I'm going to be a Grammie! And if it's a boy, Chris and Moni want to name him Benjamin. And can you believe Kail is growing into such a caring adult? I know you still have a connection with us and have endured, assisted and enjoyed the changes since you left.
Despite your trying to hide them, tears would flow down your cheeks knowing how many people whose life you continue to touch. Mom says your job here was to gather people together. And in your absence, you have created some close relationships that continue to be enduring and supportive.
We will all love and miss you always.
Judy
Pat Blake
December 17, 2007
Hi Ben , 12/17/07
I miss you just as much today I did the day you left, Today is 4 years since Mom left , miss her as much also.Thank you for being with me in my trials and tribulations this year, you and Mom seem to be there when I need you still.I put the Red Sox flag up for you after they won this year, same as you did for Momin 2004.I miss calling your cell phone and hearing your voice saying(its Ben leave a message). I love you Ben rest in Peace my Dear Brother. until we will meet again. Sister Pat
JoAnn Gregory(Gingras)
December 16, 2007
Uncle Ben,
It seems so strange to see logging trucks pass by and waiting for your call to say you're in town. I am so grateful that I was able to spend more time with you before you became ill. I wish we had more time, as I know all of us do, and for you to see how happy my life is now. Also for you to see the beautiful nice you now have. She would have brought a huge smile to your face. It would have been interesting to see if your "mustache" scared her :)!! I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you!! The family picnic came and went, but there was a huge void with out you!! I hope you know you are always in our hearts and loved so much. Dale wished he had more time to get to know you better. I bet you both would have had a great time fly fishing!!
Christmas is coming and this is one of the hardest times for all who have lost someone so special. I feel your presence along with Gram's and my parents more than ever these days, and it helps me get through. I long for the days when I could have just picked up the phone and been able to talk to one of you. Merry Christmas.
I love you,
JoAnn
Skip Smith
December 14, 2007
My Friend,
More than a year has come and gone now and a lot of things have taken place in that year . I believe that you are in a place where you and all of the folks that have gone before us, are able to see what goes on . Your guidance and love has helped a good many of your closest friends and loved ones and I know that you'll continue to look over all of us. For now I'm going to leave these words with you.
We thought of you with love today
But that is nothing new
We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too
We think of you in silence
We often speak your name
All we have are memories
And your picture in a frame
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part
God has you in his keeping
We have you in our hearts
We Love You Ben
Til the day we meet again on the other side, the calls and these words remain, " What are ya doin"
Your Friend, Skip
Wendy Cook
April 27, 2007
Hi Ben, Thank you for watching over Pat on Wednesday. Sue had just heard "My Wish For You" before she came out to the car to head to the hospital and wait for Pat to get out of surgery. It went ok. Maybe you could put in a good word for us and make this the one that changes things for Pat.
I did it, Ben, I found a new job with better pay and better benefits.
So much has changed in my life in the past eight years and most of it for the best. But loosing you and Mom has taken a toll on all of us. It was time for Mom to go as she had a good life and was ready. But your life was taken at such a young age and so quickly. I am having a real hard time. It just doesn't seem real - I am still waiting for the phone to ring. (what'ch do'in) I Love You and miss you so much. Wendy
Catherine cadwell
March 17, 2007
Uncle ben he did it. He called and told me that he was proud of me. Thank you so much, for showing us that we have a second chance. Please keep sending your strength to all of us. You have showed me what family is supposed to look like. I'm off to try to make baked beans :)
love Cathy
Judy Witham
March 7, 2007
Ben-jammin, I know you sent the loon Sunday to Perkins Cove - it was the perfect touch. I also noticed the female Mallard was alone after my walk on the dock, as the male had left her side. And other than looking about for danger, she appeared content still - lucky her. I know, we talked about it, but walking the walk is so much harder...Please keep helping me.
It's your birthday and your wish came true: you'll never get old! Just like you were never going to "retire"! :o)
All my love,
Judy
Cathy Cadwell
February 20, 2007
I want to thank you, You have changed Lou in so many ways. Although I wish that you were here to see. You are still here in so many other ways. I know that you are free of pain. You have taught me so much. Thank you for teaching my brother to show his feelings, that it is ok to "cry" and to say "I Love You". There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I will try to keep dad going although at times it's hard.
Your house in Maine is just what I thought it would be. An image of you. "My Wish"
All my Love
JoAnn Gregory (Gingras)
February 8, 2007
Uncle Ben, I'll never forget when you told me that I would cry when you came close to me when I was little, not knowing until later years that it was your "handlebar mustache" that freaked me out!! Needles to say, I loved you more than you will ever know!! You always had and will have a very special place in my heart. I've learned alot from you, like you passing along grams recipe for bean hole beans, and of course, your famous "trash can turkey". Also, you taught me to look to the future and to see the good in everyone. You are truely a wonderful person and are greatly missed by so many people whom you have touched so deeply!! I can still hear that "chuckle" of yours, and it warms my heart!! I too hope you have met up with my parents, gram, uncle jimmy, Noreen, and everyone else we have lossed much too soon!! I hope you are happy and free from pain!!
I love you deeply!!
Judy Witham
January 18, 2007
Wasn't Kail funny about the fiddleheads last night? When I told him they were the last bag I had, he said they were special then. But then he remembered that he did pick them with us, so he said they were extra special ones and he would have to put extra vinegar on them. He also said that he and I had to eat your share so we were going to really be full - and we were! We decided we'd be sure to pick some again this spring too.
As he ate his breakfast of hard boiled eggs and "squishy" toast, he remembered that you had made him hard boiled eggs the last morning he was here with you. It was good to hear him talk so openly and happily about you, it warmed my heart.
And yes, I heard you chuckle as Kail was jibber jabbering away even when he was in the bathroom behind closed doors. :o)
And how about he is going to the movies on Saturday with a "maybe" girlfriend and some other friends! Oh my...so it begins.
However, when I took him to school this morning, your pickup was covered in the hard crusted snow and it looked so cold and still..it made me cry.
We so miss you, Ben.
michelle cook
January 15, 2007
hI uncle ben there are days that your face and your voice are all i can hear and see, some days are easier then others but we are sticking together and keeping eachother strong. well it has been a month and 14 days that i have ben smoke free for you and for me i hope that you and mammie have had sometime to catch up and make sure you keep looking down on us and checking on us every once and a while. i miss you bunches and love you much michelle
Jacquie Cadwell
January 12, 2007
Wish You Were Here
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,
blue skies from pain.
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
And did they get you trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change? And did you exchange
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
running over the same old ground. What have we found?
The same old fears,
wish you were here.
Jane Woodward
January 3, 2007
Well Ben, as you probably know already Woodie has left us to join you as you fish and sit around the camp fires. I know you will watch out for her. She was with us for 14 years, almost as long as you were. We miss you both and will forever love you both in our hearts.
Tom and Jane
bert mitchell
December 31, 2006
The time has come now so we can sign this book,We keep thinking the phone will ring and you say i'm on my way to Maine,i will call when i get there.We miss you but we know you and Norris are sitting around
a campfire swapping fish stories.
We love and miss you, Lloyd & Bert
Jacqueline Cadwell
December 29, 2006
Life still sucks without you Daddy. I'am hoping that one day the pain will lessen. Please help me to get over the resentment of losing you. I seem to have alot of hate in my heart,which I know you would just tell me to get over it. :)
Words cannot describe my feelings.
We will do everything in our power to save your "Gentle Ben's Cave".
Hmm, guess I just named your Maine house.
I truely love you.
Leo Maslan
December 23, 2006
Ben, last night was a Jewell Christmas party. Big John and I continued to bring up stories about you. Max and I got into them as well. As I tried to say at the celebration of your life, you are a special individual that made an impact on everyone that was fortunate enough to get time with you. Everytime I drive by the sugarhouse where I met you, Max and Kibby on Christmas eve I have to laugh once again. I can never say goodbye to you, Ben, just smile down on us. NH.javascript:OpenEntryHelp();
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Pat Blake
December 20, 2006
My beloved brother Ben ,I wiil not be long winded just want to say how close Ben and I grew in while caring for Mom and since her passing. I guess I am having a hard time thinking that in just 2 yrs and 11 months you joined MOM. I am glad for you and her but am selfish and miss you.Rest in peace my beloved brother I love you Pat
Michelle Cook
December 20, 2006
Dear Uncle Ben, well i was lucky enough to have you in my life for 23 years. In those years i have learned that there is nothing more meaningful and loveing in life then family. You made this true. From the vacations spent at your camper near the lake to the beans that you cooked in a hole memories that will forever stay close to my heart. For 19 days now i have been smoke free i quit smoking on dec 8th i finally realized that i wouldn't let myslef get taken away from eveyrone that has loved me for 23 years early. You were taken away from us too early but with your passing you have made it possible for me to grow and learn. I miss you so much and i thank you for the wonderful memories that you gave to me that will always be right next to my heart.I am sorry that i wasn't able to see you inthe hospital but i needed to remember my uncle Ben the way i had always seen him and that was free happy and enjoying life to the fullest. you are with your mom and dad i hope that the three of you can look down on us all and smile as we are all tyring our hardest to live life to the fullest.Thank you uncle Ben and love you dearly!! Chell
Judy Witham
December 19, 2006
Ben-jammin, You've touched so many lives through your calm and solid character, mine included. Without you, there is a hollowness to my heart. We often wondered how long our time together might be and each time, we would conclude that truthfully, we really only had "today". Thank you from my heart, for all our todays and for all the memories for my tomorrows.
Thank you for loving, teaching and including Nick and Chris in your life. You will remain their "stepdad" in their hearts always.
You will forever be loved and forever be missed.
"The love of your life"
Wendy Cook
December 18, 2006
Ben Cadwell - My brother, my friend, but most of all, my confidant. Ben and I were very close. We spoke every week at least once, sometimes more than that.
We were there for each other in good times and in bad times. I don't remember a time in Ben's life that he was happier then he was in the past 8 years in his life with Judy, and that he was going to build his place in Maine. He has wanted a place in Maine for as long as I can remember.
We talked about some sad times with his children growing up, then the good times with his children as they grew into adulthood. And how very much he enjoyed his time with his grandson, Kail.
I remember when we were like ships passing in the night, when we were taking care of Mom after the mini strokes. She could no longer stay alone. He would come relieve me on Sundays and stay the night with her. Then at 5:30 am on Monday morning, I would come back to the trailer and Ben would head to Jewell's to get his truck and hit the road. He was always there to help in any way that he could. He just said she's my mother she took care of me it's my turn to take care of her. And that's just the way it was. I remember the last few days of Mom's life when we were with her 24/7. Ben got up on that Wednesday morning and was going to go to the shop real quick and would be right back. About 10 minutes after he left Mom passed away. I called Ben on his cell phone to let him know. He came right back and we spent the rest of the day there. He kept saying to me Wendy, I did't think it would be this hard, she was 95.
Well guess what Ben. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to endure, you were only 64. And you were suppose to be there for me to get old. I love you and miss you terribly.
And I will pass your message on like you asked me to at the last chemo treatment you had. In your own words "I wish my family and friends could look at me now and get control of their smoking and drinking BEFORE it gets control of them. The way it has me."
Goodbye, Ben, we will be together again someday. Please watch over those that need you most right now and I am sure you know which ones they are. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Sometimes it makes me laugh but most of all, right now it makes me cry.
Your little sister Wendy
Charlie& Emily Witham
December 13, 2006
Although we knew Ben for a short time, he left a great impression with us. We will never forget his mannerism, good nature and his friendship. To know him was to love him.
May his soul rest in peace.........
Jacquie
December 9, 2006
I love you Daddy. I miss you so much!
Please give me strength to live without you.
Your favorite little girl.
Judy Witham
December 2, 2006
"In Benjamin Cadwell style, we sincerely and quietly thank all of you who not only supported and comforted Ben in his recent illness, but who honored and respected him in the celebration of his life. Our heartfelt appreciation to all who have, and continue to, share in reassuring us during the loss of Ben in our lives. Remember His Wish for you...Judy, Nick, Chris and Family."
Skip Smith
December 2, 2006
I have been blessed to have had Ben as my best friend for nearly 40 years. I can't begin to mention all the things that we have been through in those years, but we were always together in mind and spirit .
As Loyd, Dana and I were creating our last tribute to Ben in what was to be his home in Maine, we talked about Bens dreams and passions for the things he loved most in life and what he dreamed of doing in his retirement in Maine. I think the thing we all agreed on was his gentle way of gathering good people around him and sharing himself with all of them.
Every time I hear the phone ring I expect to hear "what are ya doin".
Maybe one day in the future I'll be blessed one moe time and hear those words again. Till then, Ben will rest high on that mountain and hopefully now he can finally know how much he was and still is loved by all of us that knew him.
Julia Fowler LaBier
November 29, 2006
Ben was a well-loved member of our family; a good man of quiet, and kind spirit.His impact was love. His legacy is a trail of goodness that flows through his 3 children and his grandson; a thread that runs so true.
Ruth DeCotis
November 29, 2006
I am so sorry that cancer has taken such a lovely man from his family. As it was noted in his service, "family" to Ben were people who showed they cared about each other and remained in contact.
We shall miss him,
Terry and Ruthie DeCotis
Mae Nicoli
November 29, 2006
Ben was a valued member of our family for over 45 wonderful years. My mother adored him and my sisters and I adored him. We will miss his humor, his smile, and especially his laugh. It is amazing how such a quiet and gentle man can have such a huge impact on so many lives. We loved him well and he left us with many many good memories of him.
Dave, Jim, Jacquie, their Mother & Kail Cadwell
November 29, 2006
BEN CADWELL’S CHILDREN, THEIR MOTHER AND HIS GRANDSON WOULD LIKE TO DEEPLY EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE FOR ALL THE LOVING SUPPORT GIVEN DURING BEN’S LAST DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AND THE DAYS TO FOLLOW.
THANK YOU TO THE DOCTORS AND THE STAFF AT DHMC FOR THEIR CARE GIVEN BEN AND THEIR EFFORTS IN TRYING TO SAVE HIM.
TO HALE’S FUNERAL HOME FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS AND THEIR OPENNESS IN LETTING HIS FAMILY GO WITH THEIR IDEAS IN GIVING BEN A WONDERFUL LAST RIDE.
TO MAX JEWELL FOR THE USE OF HIS LOGGING TRUCK FOR BEN’S JOURNEY TO THE FUNERAL. TO BERNIE MANNING FOR HIS PARTICIATION IN BEN’S LAST TRUCK “RUN”.
TO THE MANY LOG AND PULP TRUCK DRIVERS, LOGGERS, VT LOGGERS AND TRUCKERS ASSOCIATION, ALL THE MEN FROM THE WOOD INDUSTRIES WHO KNEW BEN THROUGH THE YEARS AND HIS CO-WORKERS FROM JEWELL TRANSPORT.
THANK YOU TO HIS FRIENDS FROM THE CONSTRUCTION DAYS, HIS FAMILY FROM MAINE, THE FOWLER FAMILY, SCHOOL FRIENDS AND THE MANY PEOPLE WHO KNEW BEN DURING HIS YEARS IN THETFORD.
QUOTED AT BEN’S SERVICE:
GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN:
WE KNOW YOUR LIFE
ON EARTH WAS TROUBLED
AND ONLY WE WOULD KNOW THE PAIN
YOU WEREN’T AFRAID TO FACE THE
DEVIL
YOU WERE NO STRANGER TO THE RAIN
Randy Witham
November 27, 2006
My son Aaron and daughter Taylor have often commented on what a wonderful and caring person Ben was. I couldn't agree more. He will surely be missed.
Holly Creighton
November 26, 2006
Ben was with out a dout one of the most special, loving people that I have ever had the privlage to meet.We love him and will miss him more than we can say.God must have needed a very special angel....
God bless his family and freinds to get them through this great loss.
Chuck & Jean Piper
November 22, 2006
We met Ben for the first time when he rented our camp at Pleasant Pond two years ago. The day that he brought "The big Fish caught with a copper line and lure" up from his boat will never be forgotten. Ben had the biggest grin that we have ever seen. He was estatic and was living a great life during that moment.
We are very sorry to hear about Ben leaving this great earth but we are sure that his next journey with God will be rewarding where ever he is.
Aaron Witham
November 21, 2006
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ben as well as Nick and Chris and many other members of our close family because I've lived out of town since high school. However, the times I spent with him will be forever etched in my memory. Ben was easy-going, completely down-to-earth and had a quiet way of making you laugh. I hunted with Ben many times in the woods along 4-A, and for Ben, being an outdoorsman was a way of life-- not only because he spent so much time outdoors for leisure and for his job, but because that was his personality as well. He was a strong man, in the physical and in his character, in how generous he was, in how much of a hard worker he was, and in how he asked for so little from those around him. I've learned a lot about living a strong life simply by having known Ben. And no one in our family will ever forget him.
Lumberjack Lumber, Inc.
November 21, 2006
We are sorry to know that Ben's time on this earth was cut short, however we believe that he is now in a peaceful home with God. Our prayers are with you.
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